3 Steps to Helping Your Elderly Loved One Enjoy Aging in Place

There’s no place like home. This isn’t just a cliché or a euphemism exclusive to young folks. It’s practically a mantra for the elderly members of our population. Because those of advanced ages commonly find themselves in assisted living facilities, homesickness is as likely a condition for them as their physical ailments.

There are, however, some ways that you can help your elderly loved ones to comfortably age in place. Aging in place, or living at home, can be an ideal situation for seniors as long as their family members take a few important steps to make it enjoyable.

Here are three:

1. Get educated on how to manage elder care.

In many cases, caring for a senior can be a full-time job. Although you may not necessarily have the time to be present 24/7, it is of vital importance that you’re well aware of all of the healthcare needs of the senior in your home. On BetterHealthWhileAging.net, Dr. Leslie Kernisan points out that the number one thing she recommends is that families that include seniors educate themselves on the geriatrics approach to managing the health and well being of older adults.

“That’s because avoiding risky medications, and focusing on healthcare that optimizes function and wellbeing can go a long way towards maintaining an older adult’s abilities to remain safely in his or her home,” she writes, “And don’t forget that the geriatrics approach is often relevant for people as young as age 60s: falls and medication mishaps can be major health problems for younger seniors.”

2. Seek professional help, if necessary.

As we already mentioned, providing care for a senior is a round-the-clock duty. Aging in place is still feasible, however, if you get a little help. In many cases, you’ll need the assistance of a professional caregiver to help with such chores as bathing or even the proper managing of exercise for your elderly loved ones. Ensuring their safety during any physical activity is of paramount importance.

“Whether you choose to remain in your current home or purchase a new one, you may need help with caregiving,” says Isabella Yosuico on Care.com, “Many agencies offer these services, but you also can find an in-home caregiver by searching vetted, secure databases online. Even if you do hire an in-home caregiver, consider installing a sensor-based remote monitoring or personal emergency alert system so that you can easily access help if you ever need it and so that your loved one’s or caregivers can make sure you’re safe.”

3. Make the bathing experience fun and easy.

Getting your elderly loved one to bathe can be among your most difficult tasks as a caregiver. Most often, a lack of privacy is enough to persuade a senior to not want to bathe at all. At Forward Day, we’re very proud of the fact that our Shower Bay portable showers provide elderly individuals with all of the privacy they need while bathing. And because it can be snapped together in any room of the home with a faucet nearby, it provides safe and easy access, eliminating the concerns about slipping and falling in the bathroom.

If you have any questions about how our Shower Bay portable showers can help your elderly loved on enjoy aging in place, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 1-877-223-8999 or email us at info@showerbay.com.